UK residents took a grand total of 71.7 million trips overseas in 2018, the Office for National Statistics reveals. Road trips, in particular, are a popular mode of overseas travel that provides a greater sense of adventure and freedom than journeying by bus, plane, or train.
If you’re planning for an upcoming road trip abroad, it’s important you have comprehensive travel insurance to protect your financial investment and leave you with peace of mind on the road.
Rental car insurance
Before your road trip, you’ll have to choose whether to use your own car or rent one. Regardless of what you end up going for, make sure to look at your existing car insurance and find out the coverage offered for rental vehicles and roadside assistance. If you decide to rent a car, it’s important to choose a reliable and well-reviewed make and model. You’ll want a car that scores high for driving experience and quality and reliability, in particular. It’s also important the car’s comfortable and allows you and any other passengers the space to stretch out and relax.
However, it’s also important to know the insurance typically offered by rental car companies doesn’t cover common issues like windshield damage, broken windows, flat tires, broken rear- or side-view mirrors, or theft. Take time to look at your options for rental car insurance to make sure you have the best possible protection. Always remember to carefully read the wording of your policy, so you know exactly the coverage you’re getting and don’t experience any surprises on the road.
Emergency medical insurance
153,000 British travellers required emergency medical treatment abroad last year, the Association of British Insurers reveals — that equates to 420 people everyday or one person every three minutes. Medical treatment overseas doesn’t come cheap and unexpected sickness or accidents can strike at any time. Medical costs for treating a broken arm in the United States, for example, total roughly $150,000 USD. It’s therefore important you take steps to cover yourself in case of medical emergency on your road trip.
Emergency medical insurance is particularly important if you’ll be driving through secluded areas with limited access to medical care. Find out if your existing health insurance will cover you. However, purchasing travel insurance with emergency medical coverage may be a smarter choice. Emerald Life travel insurance provides 24/7 emergency medical assistance worldwide so you can enjoy your road trip with peace of mind.
Cancellation and interruption coverage
Although road trips are a more spontaneous mode of travel, you’ll likely have to do some planning. If your trip involves any prepaid and non-refundable elements, trip cancellation insurance is a must. This type of insurance will protect you from losing money in case you have to delay your road trip or cancel it altogether. Issues like unexpected illness, death, or delays caused by road accidents or road closures are just some of the reasons you may experience delays or interruption. If you’re looking for comprehensive protection, Emerald Life’s Core plan offers £3,000 cancellation and curtailment cover, while the Premier plan provides £5,000 worth of cover. These plans can cover money lost due to delays, as well as unexpected accommodation bookings you may need to make.
Road trips are an exciting way of exploring the unique beauty of countries around the world. However, they don’t always go exactly as planned. It’s therefore critical if you’re planning a road trip overseas to invest in comprehensive travel insurance, so you can stay protected on the road and enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.
